Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

• "Academia New Zealand" ("we," "us," "our") refers to Academia New Zealand Limited, an NZQA Accredited Agency and Licensed Immigration Adviser.
• "Client" ("you," "your") refers to the student or prospective student using our services.
• "Services" refers to education consultancy, application assistance, visa guidance, and related support services.
• "Institution" refers to New Zealand universities, polytechnics, and other approved education providers.
• "Application" refers to the formal submission for admission to an Institution or for a visa.

2. Our Services

2.1 Free Services

• Initial consultation and eligibility assessment
• Course and university recommendations
• Application guidance and document checklist
• Scholarship information and guidance
• Pre-departure briefing

2.2 Fee-Based Services

• Student visa application assistance (if not applying through partner institution)
• Complex case handling (gap years, previous visa refusals)
• Document translation and notarization coordination
• Priority processing requests

2.3 Service Limitations

• We do not guarantee admission to any Institution
• We do not guarantee visa approval
• We do not provide legal advice (immigration guidance only)
• We do not arrange employment or internships

3. Eligibility

To use our services, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age, or have parental/guardian consent
• Provide accurate and truthful information
• Have genuine intent to study in New Zealand
• Meet the academic and English language requirements of your chosen program
• Have sufficient funds or a qualified sponsor
• Meet health and character requirements for New Zealand

4. Application Process

4.1 Our Responsibilities

• Provide accurate and up-to-date information about Institutions and programs
• Assist with application preparation and submission
• Communicate with Institutions on your behalf (with your authorization)
• Keep you informed of application progress

4.2 Your Responsibilities

• Provide complete and accurate information
• Submit all required documents in PDF format
• Respond to requests for additional information promptly
• Meet all application deadlines
• Notify us immediately of any changes to your circumstances

4.3 Application Timeline

• University application assessment: 2-6 weeks
• Student visa processing: 4-8 weeks
• Total process: 2-4 months

5. Fees & Payment

5.1 Consultancy Fees

Our standard education consultancy services are provided free of charge to students. We receive commissions from partner Institutions for successful enrollments.

5.2 Additional Service Fees

Where additional services are required, fees will be clearly communicated in writing before service commencement and quoted in New Zealand Dollars (NZD).

5.3 Third-Party Fees

You are responsible for: university application fees, student visa fee (NZ$375), English language test fees, medical examination fees, police clearance fees, document translation fees, health insurance premiums, and airfare.

6. Refund Policy

6.1 Consultancy Service Fees

• Before service commencement: Full refund minus administrative fee of NZ$100
• After service commencement: No refund, except in exceptional circumstances at our discretion
• Visa application not lodged: 50% refund if no work has been completed

6.2 Institution Refunds

Institution refund policies vary. We will explain the policy before you accept any offer and assist with refund applications where applicable.

7. Document Submission

7.1 Document Requirements

• All documents must be submitted in PDF format unless otherwise specified
• Documents must be clear, legible, and complete
• Certified translations required for non-English documents

7.2 Document Authenticity

• You warrant that all documents submitted are genuine and accurate
• Falsified documents will result in immediate termination of services
• You may be reported to relevant authorities for fraudulent documentation

7.3 Document Retention

We retain copies of your documents for 7 years as required by NZ law. Documents are stored securely and you may request copies at any time.

8. Privacy & Data Protection

We collect personal information necessary for assessing eligibility, preparing applications, communicating with institutions, and providing support. Your information may be shared with NZ education institutions, Immigration NZ, health service providers, and insurers. We comply with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 Our Liability

• We are not liable for any decision made by Institutions or Immigration NZ
• We are not liable for delays caused by third parties
• We are not liable for changes in government policy or visa requirements
• Our total liability is limited to the fees paid for our services

9.2 Excluded Liabilities

• Loss of income or earnings
• Emotional distress or mental anguish
• Costs incurred due to application delays or rejections
• Travel costs or accommodation expenses
• Tuition fees paid to Institutions

10. Code of Conduct

10.1 Our Commitments

• Providing honest, accurate, and up-to-date information
• Acting in your best interests
• Maintaining confidentiality of your information
• Complying with NZQA and Immigration Advisers Authority codes of conduct

10.2 Your Commitments

• Provide truthful and complete information
• Not engage in fraudulent activity
• Treat our staff with respect and courtesy

10.3 Prohibited Conduct

Submission of fraudulent documents, abusive behavior towards staff, or failure to disclose material information will result in immediate termination of services.

11. Visa & Immigration

11.1 Visa Guidance

We provide guidance on visa requirements and application procedures. We are Licensed Immigration Advisers. Our advice is based on current Immigration NZ policies.

12. Termination

12.1 Termination by You

You may terminate our services at any time by providing written notice.

12.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate services immediately if you provide false information, submit fraudulent documents, engage in abusive behavior, or breach any material term of these Terms.

12.3 Effect of Termination

• We will cease all work on your applications
• We will provide you with copies of your documents
• Any outstanding fees become immediately payable

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Internal Resolution

1. Contact your assigned counselor
2. If unresolved, escalate to our Operations Manager
3. Submit a formal written complaint to study@academia.nz
4. We will respond within 10 business days

13.2 External Resolution

• Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA): www.iaa.govt.nz
• NZQA: www.nzqa.govt.nz
• Privacy Commissioner: www.privacy.org.nz

14. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with the updated date and notified to active clients by email. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

15. Contact Information